Raider Nation was dealt a disastrous blow late in their win over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. MVP candidate Derek Carr went down with a seemingly serious injury, indicating that he broke something in his lower-body after going down in a heap (more on that here).
The injury itself caused an eerie silence throughout Oakland Coliseum, as the Oakland Raiders’ championship hopes seemingly came to a crashing halt.
Two days removed from the injury, it’s been confirmed that Carr will be out six-to-eight weeks with a broken fibula.
Now set to take on the Denver Broncos Week 17 with the division title and a first-round bye at stake, Matt McGloin will be under center. It’s a less-than-stellar situation for Jack Del Rio and Co.
Though, one world-renowned surgeon seems to think Carr will be able to return for the Super Bowl should Oakland make it that far.
https://twitter.com/DrRobertKlapper/status/
Dr. Klapper has proven to be correct in his analysis in the past. He’s also well respected in the medical community and worked as a consultant for the hit television show “ER” years back.
Carr’s timeline right now suggests that he will be out through mid-February, making it seem unrealistic he’ll be able to return in time for the Super Bowl. Though, Klapper’s diagnosis here seems to suggest that it’s a possibility. At the very least, the Raiders’ fans have some hope.
In order for any of this to come to fruition, the Raiders would be well off to win this upcoming weekend and capture a first-round bye. That would give the team at least one home game in the playoffs. In reality, this seems to be the team’s best opportunity to actually play in Super Bowl 51 in February.